10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
116,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced ignition unit (switch and lock cylinder) (1 reports)
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problem #1

Nov 102014

Malibu LX 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

Ignition key could not be removed after parking the vehicle. Gear was in park and brake was depressed (would not move either). Could not turn key or start vehicle. Tried everything. Vehicle was towed to STS in Ewing NJ. They are working on the vehicle and it appears they need to replace the entire unit, including the ignition switch, as the lock cylinder isn't working. They will need to get the codes from a Chevrolet dealer.

This appears to be a common problem with this vehicle and there was a recent recall (14350) as the dealer had to install a key insert and key rings to prevent an unintended ignition key rotation. I believe my current ignition problem is related to that recall.

Update from Jan 3, 2015: UPDATE: STS WORKED ON THE VEHICLE AND WERE ABLE TO FREE UP THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, HOWEVER WHEN THEY REINSERTED THE KEY THEY COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION/ START THE CAR. THE BRAKE STAYED DEPRESSED AND THEY COULD NOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE IGNITION UNIT, INCLUDING THE IGNITION SWITCH, AS THE LOCK CYLINDER WASN'T WORKING. THEY ORDERED THE PARTS AND RECEIVED THE CODE FROM A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER. TOTAL COST TO REPLACE PARTS AND REPAIR WAS $689.75. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND OTHER GM VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM (14113C PART OF 14092). THERE WAS ALSO A RECENT RECALL (14350) AS THE DEALER HAD TO INSTALL A KEY INSERT AND KEY RINGS TO PREVENT AN UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION. THERE WAS A RECENT GM RECALL FOR IGNITION LOCK SYSTEM DEFECTS AFFECTING TRUCKS AND SUVS (JAN 2015). I BELIEVE MY CURRENT IGNITION PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THESE RECALLS.

- Gregorio P., Florence, NJ, US